Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel presented the rosiest economic forecast of his term Monday when he proposed a $631 million spending plan for 2014.

“We’re in great financial shape,” said Hackel, after meeting for about an hour with local media to discuss the proposed budget. “We’ve dealt with some of the structural deficits … Not only have we balanced the budget, but we’ve added to the surplus another $50,000.

“Was it painful? Were there some cuts? Yes. But we’ve eliminated the structural deficit, and have been for the last three years.”

Hackel was joined by Peter Provenzano, the county finance director, who outlined the spending plan that, by law, must be presented to the county Board of Commissioners by July 1.

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Provenzano said stabilization of the economy, and particularly the housing market, along with an increase in state revenue sharing paint a brighter picture for Macomb County for the next fiscal year.

“The improving economy is reflected in the budget,” Provenzano said.

A key provision in the spending plan calls for elimination of the six annual unpaid furlough days county employees accepted as part of the belt-tightening measures. That will translate into greater productivity, officials said.

“We think this will give a real shot in the arm (to employees) and increase productivity,” Provenzano said.

County officials also said they won’t have to tap the county’s surplus, or “rainy day” funds of approximately $55 million balance the books.

While officials exuded an upbeat tone, the proposed budget includes some negative news as well. Additional spending cuts will include the elimination of nearly 20 jobs, although most will be accomplished through attrition, they said.

Moreover, the county must still address unfunded liabilities in retiree health care funds, an issue that has been avoided for many years. That liability runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

“That can hasn’t been kicked down the road, the can has been walked over,” Hackel said.

Hackel was expected to deliver his budget proposal to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners by the end of the day Monday. The board has 90 days to approve the plan.

Macomb County Board Chairman Dave Flynn had not yet seen the spending plan, but said Hackel can expect commissioners to go over the budget with the proverbial fine-tooth comb.

“The board feels there should be a more detailed approach of how taxpayers’ dollars are spent before the fact, not after,” Flynn said. “… We look forward to a thorough vetting (of the proposed budget).”

Hackel and the board are at odds over “budget transparency” ordinances adopted by the Board of Commissioners. Last week, the county executive accused the board of overstepping its authority in demanding more detail in county budgets and finances that he’s provided thus far during his term in office.